On August 10th, NOA Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Reggie Fils-Aime reconfirmed Nintendo's commitment to the Nintendo DS and elaborated on the philosophy behind the product in a private presentation.
After citing a few examples of popular technology with "wow" factor, he goes on to explain how technologies can sometimes be successfully married, but more often than not they flop (such as with the PSX). Reggie also notes that now-popular items have lingered in a year of obscurity, indirectly affirming Nintendo's long-term commitment to the DS regardless of initial sales. He also points out that history has shown superior technology in the games industry often is not the winning factor, boasting about the simple Game Boy's success.
He instead says that original games making use of improved technology (such as new input devices) are what drives hardware and software sales. And if we are to believe Nintendo's research, the vast majority of gamers do not believe graphics are the future of gaming any more. He compares Sony's approach with the PSP to Nintendo's with the DS, highlighting their different focuses and questioning the assumptions Sony is making about the handheld market.
Nintendo fans will be disappointed to read that Reggie gives little hope of online Nintendo games any time soon on the Nintendo DS. The spokesmen claims head-to-head online multiplayer at a quality comparable to traditional console multiplayer is still a ways off, and although the Nintendo DS's wireless features are a start, the industry is taking "small steps."
Click "...Read More" to view the full transcript of Mr. Fils-Aime's speech.
News source: PGC
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